Scarecrows take over village for annual festival

Jo Byford has entered the Cavendish Scarecrow Festival with her colourful Alice in Wonderland display

Luke Deal/BBC Jo Byford sits among her Alice in Wonderland scarecrow scene that she has entered into the Cavendish Scarecrow Festival — Jo Byford has entered the Cavendish Scarecrow Festival with her colourful Alice in Wonderland display

A village has been taken over by an array of scarecrows depicting popular fictional characters including Alice in Wonderland.

Cavendish, near Sudbury in Suffolk, is hosting its annual Scarecrow Festival - with a theme of film and books - that runs until Friday.

SpongeBob SquarePants, Spiderman, Paddington Bear and more popular characters have been created and a winner will be crowned at the end of the event.

Jo Byford created the Alice in Wonderland scene outside her house and chose the novel due to her love for it.

Ms Byford's display includes many of the characters from the Alice in Wonderland novel

Luke Deal/BBC A wider view of Jo Byford's Alice in Wonderland scarecrow display — Ms Byford's display includes many of the characters from the Alice in Wonderland novel

Asked how long it took to create the scarecrows, Ms Byford said: "Three weeks on and off.

"I started with the Mad Hatter and I really let the creativity go with him and then it went off from there.

"Obviously Alice had to be there but then I thought no, that's not enough - let's have the Cheshire Cat, let's have the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar and all the bits and pieces that go with it.

"I really went to town because I love the story so much.

"The idea of it is not to let go of your imagination as you transform from child into adulthood.

"It's [about] carrying on that imagination and that creativity, that's what I hope I'm doing."

A Cavendish resident depicted Jaws for their display in the festival

Luke Deal/BBC A Jaws-themed scarecrow display complete with the shark itself — A Cavendish resident depicted Jaws for their display in the festival

Ms Byford even added a seat into her scene to allow people to have a cup of tea with Alice and the Mad Hatter.

"People have said when are you going to bring the real tea and cakes out," she added.

"It's been a real lovely response."

Asked what she would do with the display once the festival is finished, Ms Byford explained she might give it to her daughter who is expecting her first baby.

Spiderman has weaved his web outside one Cavendish villager's her

Luke Deal/BBC A Spiderman-themed scarecrow complete with a web and a large black spider — Spiderman has weaved his web outside one Cavendish villager's her

This is the second year of the festival with all proceeds going toward the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Ellie Ling is the Scarecrow Festival organiser and said judging all the entries would be "really hard".

"Everyone has been encouraged to bring their favourite character to life... along the trail you will find Paddington Bear, Spiderman, Shrek, Dennis and Gnasher," she said.

"You will also find a Mad Hatter or two and an amazing scene of Star Wars that actually lights up.

"We're so impressed and so grateful for everyone's efforts.

"Their creativity is outstanding and we can't thank everyone who has entered enough."

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